44 | Federation Mining: Snowy River Gold Project MINING T T Karen Phelps Progress continues apace at mine T T to page 44 Progress continues on Federation Mining’s Snowy River Gold Mine near Reefton in the South Island with highly encouraging results in May, says managing director of Federation Mining Mark Le Messurier, who is leading the project. “One drilling rig returned 0.8m (0.7m true width) of quartz with several small specks of visible gold and another intersecting 1.2m (0.9m true width) of reef quartz, also with several small specks of visible gold,” he says. The second Alton Drilling Boart Longyear LM110 underground drill rig was mobilised in May and a total of 854m of core drilling was completed during the month bringing total project to date drilling to 1,750m. Three diamond holes were completed. “Currently one rig is operating on double shift and the other on a single shift. Both rigs will be ramped up to double shifting in July,” says Mark. Development in the declines also continued underground with 246 metres safely developed. Mark says new mobile equipment has arrived on site ready to be commissioned as Federation Mining moves towards the planned trial mining later this year. Plans remain in place to commence drilling the first dewatering hole during June. All environmental monitoring was completed, and results were compliant. “Our water treatment system was completed in May and inspected by the district and regional councils. “ his water treatment system will be used during the dewatering of the Blackwater Mine. Some 150 native plants were planted in May including flaxes, beech and manuka varieties.” Mark says emergency exercises were undertaken in May to ensure crews are familiar with the procedures in the event of an underground emergency. He says development will continue until the mine is operational which is planned in late 2024. The next major project is a $60m processing plant with construction earmarked to begin in 2024. The aim is to raise the capital to develop this and we have the view that drilling results over the next five months proving the gold is there will attract other investors. ON-SITE FABRICATION & REPAIR - For all your engineering requirements Suppliers of Quality Earthmoving & Industrial Equipment to the West Coast Mine Industries 027 220 9443 294 Palmerston Street, Westport Natural Resources Natural Resources
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